Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are the Ross and Rachel of history

Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn are the Ross and Rachel of history

Author: Sony Music Entertainment April 14, 2026 Duration: 36:28
To love is to risk heartbreak. And while for some, breakups result in renewal, maybe some therapy (or a few months’ spent wallowing), for the historical figures of this episode… a relationship’s end has broken many more things than hearts. In this episode, Dan and Elizabeth discover the lessons of history’s epic failed romances through three world-changing unions: Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; Mark Antony and Cleopatra; and Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. Each couple burned bright and fast, and with their downfall came the end to the worlds from which they came: Catholic England, the Roman Republic, and (in the case of Edward) a grand near-miss. So what can epic historical breakups teach us about our world today? And why are we compelled to come back to grand romantic epics? – As always, Dan’s royal favourites can chime in anytime on the royal court on Patreon at patreon.com/thisishistory. And don’t forget to listen to this season’s accompanying bonus episodes for this miniseries, where Dan and Producer Al are dissecting the biggest historical failures as submitted by the royal favourites. In this episode, they discuss the failures of royals over various centuries to deliver the one thing they need - heirs. – A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find more great podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices –– Presented by Dan Jones and Elizabeth Day Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman Researcher - Phoebe Joyce Executive Producer - Simon Poole Executive Producer - Dan Jones Executive Producer for Daylight Productions - Elizabeth Day Production Manager - Jen Mistri Production coordinator - Eric Ryan Head of content - Chris Skinner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For picks up the story after the death of Henry V, leaving England with an infant king, Henry VI. Historian Dan Jones guides listeners through the tumultuous reign that follows, a period defined by fragile regencies and escalating noble rivalries. This podcast delves into the power vacuums and personal dramas that set the stage for decades of conflict. The narrative explores how scandal, accusations of witchcraft, and the looming specter of madness intertwined with the brutal political machinations of the era. As factions vie for control both domestically and in England's French territories, the series charts the descent into the dynastic carnage known as the Wars of the Roses. Each episode builds a vivid picture of a kingdom teetering on the brink, where the crown itself becomes a lethal prize. The storytelling in this podcast focuses on the human ambitions and failures behind the historical events, offering a detailed and compelling audio experience. Listeners will hear a deep analysis of the key figures and turning points that shaped this pivotal century, moving beyond simple dates and battles to understand the motivations and consequences that defined a nation's destiny.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

This is History: The Tudors
Podcast Episodes
S10 E8 | No Mercy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:43
A grieving George Duke of Clarence wants someone to blame for the tragic death of his wife and spare heir. Isabel Neville, Duchess of Clarence, dies during childbirth in December 1476. Their infant son dies shortly after…
S10 E7 | The Tribute Act [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:44
In 1475, nobody wants a Henry V impersonator, but Edward IV goes ahead and does his best impression anyway. Edward, buoyant from vanquishing his enemies at home, now wants to re-unite the kingdom against its longtime ene…
S10 E6 | The Prophecy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:30
The not-completely-there king, Henry VI, isn’t someone you’d associate with clarity, but in 1470, he sees something with absolute focus. After being presented with his 13-year-old namesake, Henry Tudor, he tells everyone…
S10 E5 | King Henry’s Second Coming [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:59
It’s time for a restoration, or rather, re-adeption. In 1470, Warwick the Kingmaker seizes his moment and slings Henry VI back onto the English throne. It’s fair to say the Lancastrian king doesn’t quite get the signific…
S10 E4 | The Kingmaker Strikes Back [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:05
It’s a gorgeous, calculated provocation. In the summer of 1469, in Calais, the Earl of Warwick, marries his daughter Isabel to George, Duke of Clarence, brother and heir to King Edward IV. It’s another shot across the bo…
You may also like: Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:38
Hey Dan here. Here’s a podcast from none other than TIH alumna, producer Georgia Mills! If you can’t get enough of historical failure after History’s Greatest Fails, give Cautionary Tales a listen. My royal favourites ge…
S10 E3 | LOVEBOMBING [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:38
Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, knows there’s no such thing as a free lunch. And the best way to keep the people on your side is through their stomachs. It’s a lesson King Edward IV has yet to learn. After marrying…
S10 E2 | Rise of the Woodvilles [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:52
Edward IV marries in secret, then springs the news like a trap. England’s new Queen, Elizabeth Woodville, arrives with two sons, a Lancastrian past, and a family ready to take their chance. When the newly-married couple…
S10 E1 | A New Hope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:13
A 13-year-old girl labours in a sealed chamber at Pembroke Castle as the plague circles them. Miraculously, Margaret Beaufort survives. Her son does, too. His name is Henry Tudor. This birth doesn’t register in the minds…
You may also like: Hidden History with Dr Harini Bhat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:51
Hello from Dan! Don’t fret. There’s nothing happening to This Is History! I thought I’d give you a little treat ahead of Season 11 of A Dynasty to Die For. The excellent Dr Harini Bhat has kindly given you a special prev…